Unless you happen to be Harry H. Corbett, always carry gloves onto the fells. In the case of the latter celebrity you could always throw an impromptu puppet show at the summit!
In respect to the comments in 'Headwear' about Britain's mountain climate, be prepared for very different temperatures at altitude. Ben Nevis has an average temperature difference from Fort William of 9 degrees centigrade. The town is only 7km or four miles as the crow flies. Gloves are therefore a necessity to carry in anticipation of any cold weather as you climb with altitude. This is probably more of an issue if the walker stops or finds themselves ridge walking where, for example, an air temperature of 10 degrees centigrade with windspeed of 20 mph would induce a windchill of freezing. Wool gloves are good, but when wet become almost useless. The 'wet suit' effect will apply, but in extreme cold this will be a problem. In cold weather wool gloves can be used as inners for winter gloves or mittens. Mittens, as the fingers touch, are always warmer than the equivalent material fingered glove. When purchasing gloves make sure they are a comfortable fit and try playing with your zips and fastenings on your jacket and rucksack. Once purchased, practice all these fastenings and fittings wearing your gloves before you venture onto the high mountains. Practice at home can save a lot of frustration out on the tops.
